Choosing Your Next Roof Material

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Choosing Your Next Roof Material

Many of us may remember the days when there were basically two types of residential roofs - those with wooden shakes, and those with asphalt shingles. The options for asphalt shingle "back then" were somewhat general and basic. 

Today, however, the once highly favored wooden shakes have almost disappeared (at least in our area of the country), and asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of textures and colors. Also becoming more prominent are metal roofs on homes, along with the occasional barrel roof tile roof (also known as "Spanish  tiles") and stone, such as slate.

When it comes time to replace your roof, or if you are building a new home, you will likely wonder which choice is the best. This can be especially true if you're contemplating asphalt compared to metal, or vice versa. A capable roofing contractor can describe the advantages (and some disadvantages) of each roof material type. Let's take a look at a few of the basics between the two primary materials, asphalt and metal:

Structural Considerations: A home (or any other roof, for that matter0 must be able to support the roofing materials installed on it. In the case of asphalt and metal roofs, the structural needs are similar. When it comes to tiles or stone, it is a different matter. Unless the roof is rated to support the added weight of these materials, it may not be possible to use them. Plus, there may be some regulations that may affect what roof materials can be used, so it's a good idea to investigate these as well.

Durability of Material: Of course, different roof materials have different levels of durability. And within each type, we know that there are basic to advanced grades, with each higher tier having more durability. In the case of metal roofs, they are commonly expected to last a very long time, upwards of 40 years (or much more). This typically exceeds the expected life of an asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are nearly ubiquitious, and can perform well on a variety of roof structures. Metal roofs may be able to withstand higher winds, and react completely differently when struck by hail, but by the same token, asphalt can be preferable in many circumstances.

How Affordable a Certain Material May Be: An asphalt roof is typically less expensive than metal (and other materials, as mentioned above), but in measure, is expected to have shorter lifespan. Metal may be more expensive at the outset, but it may never need replacing (unless damaged by storm or fire). 

Both types of roofing material can do an excellent job protecting your home, and we are versed in how each will perform in West Texas, and what a homeowner should expect with each. Each material also has design choices and limitations that can factor into your home's appearance. There is a lot to ponder!

Please ask our experts for more information, and we would be glad to explore what roof materials you would like to have on your home and all the available options. It would be our pleasure to assist you!